Hydrate + Reflect: 7 Ways To Fight Your Toughest Food Cravings

Originally published in The Chalkboard Magazine

"IT CAN STRIKE at any time; one minute we’re proudly sated by a bowl of wholesome roasted veggies, and the next minute we can’t imagine our lives without the cupcake we’ve spotted on Instagram. Yup, we’re talking about food cravings. Though they can’t always be predicted or prevented, a sudden craving doesn’t have to leave us feeling helpless. In fact, often, cravings have a deeper meaning than what we may suspect. Jennie Miremadi is an integrative and functional nutritionist who knows a thing or two about helping clients stay on track with their wellness goals. Get her tips for reclaiming control over those cray cray cravings below…" -The Chalkboard Magazine

7 WAYS TO MANAGE FOOD CRAVINGS

HYDRATE

Keeping yourself hydrated can help curb cravings. Drink water throughout the day. Before you reach for that slice of pizza, have a glass of water and then check in to see if you still want it.

DON'T SKIP MEALS

If you’re regularly skipping meals, not eating enough, and severely restricting your calorie intake, you’re setting yourself up to have serious cravings. In particular, people that skip breakfast and lunch, often have unhealthy cravings in the afternoon and evening. Instead, eat regularly throughout the day (when you’re physically hungry) and fill yourself up with nutrient-dense food.

GO WHOLE + NATURAL

Eating foods that are processed and artificial will never fill you up, which can cause cravings. Even if you’ve eaten a full meal, your brain will still send out hunger signals because your body hasn’t received the essential nutrients it needs to function properly. Eating whole, unprocessed, natural foods helps satiate you and reduce cravings.

AVOID SUGAR

Eating sweets, candies, cookies and other sugary treats can trigger more sugar cravings. Even seemingly “healthy” processed foods often contain hidden sources of sugar. Read labels and try to avoid sugar at the outset to help prevent subsequent cravings.